Column Five’s “Be Good To Each Other” Project

Around every special occasion, a ton of fantastic projects come across our desks — be it for Valentine’s Day, the holiday season or another event. (I’m excited for some fun St. Patty’s Day designs to pop up in the next few weeks. I know you’re good for it.) Our sister publication even had an entire competition dedicated to this type of work. The letterpress prints created by Column Five and 3 fantastic illustrators have stood out among the others for both the illustration work and the concepts behind it. I’ll admit it, I’ve been looking at these beautiful postcards and posters for several weeks now, and I’m excited to highlight the work for you.

The postcard set

Column Five sent this postcard set, with limited-edition letterpress prints to their partners. It embraces their philosophy of “Be Good to Each Other.” This project honors relationships, the struggles inherent in them, and ups they cause, basically embracing the spirit of working “together symbiotically to achieve a greater good.” In other words, it asks the recipients to take a moment to focus on people and the positives.

Taking the concept even deeper, these 3 illustrations focus on 3 pairs of animals that represent this type of “yin-yang arrangement, symbolizing the delicate balance of these relationships, whether in conflict or collaboration,” explains the letter from Column Five.

The three illustrations in frames

The Red Fox & Gray Fox, Wolf & Raven and Lioness & Baby Antelope are paired together. While the first pair may not make sense right away, the post card explains that these two animals focus on human’s differences — these foxes are fighting against each other for resources. The Red Fox & Gray Wolf illustration is by David D’Andrea who uses an “organic pen-and-ink style.”

Red Fox & Gray Fox by David D’Andrea

Wolf & Raven by Tim McDonagh

Lioness & Baby Antelope by Erica Williams

The Lioness & Baby Antelope by Erica Williams shows that “the ability to empathize and show compassion” is a huge part in “building healthy dynamics.” These two creations are enemies but have been protective of each other in national reserves.

And Tim McDonagh‘s Wolf & Raven piece shows that “the strongest human relationship are those that work symbiotically.” After all, these two animals will often work together to hunt and share prey.

Close up of the Wolf & Raven piece

Hand-numbering by Column Five team

All of the postcards are on environmentally friendly paper, and the Column Five team hand-signed and numbered each poster. You can read more about the project on their site. Overall, this holiday set shows off the firm’s core values, highlights some talented illustrators and takes an abstract concept and gives it some grounding. Oh, and it’s not too shabby to look at.

Do you want to talk about more exciting projects that inspire you? Or learn how to become a stronger designer, leader and creative?